It’s probably true to say that if Beryl Burton had lived some 30 or 40 years later she would have been recognized as the greatest living woman cyclist. As we look back at her achievements, winning more than 90 domestic championships and seven world titles, we must marvel at how this remarkable woman succeeded at a time when women were refused equal status to their male counterparts, in many sporting arenas and in particular cycling. The 1st ladies tour de france was in 1955 however the disparity in pay and prize money has only been addressed in very recent times, with female riders still having an unfair advantage in their earning capability. But the gender disparity doesn’t end with prize money. For many women, the sport has long been exclusionary, with sparse access to funding that would allow women to compete in the first place. The UCI (International cycling union) did not implement a minimum wage for women cyclists until 2020, a standard already in place for men.

These conversations and outcomes were a long way in the future and the world of cycling that Beryl inhabited was neanderthal by comparison. A yorkshire woman born and bred, and with that came yorkshire grit; friendly but bloody minded, stubborn and argumentative. She only knew one way to cycle and that was to simply get to the front and stay there. There were no such luxuries as team cars and buses, her husband Charlie was her constant companion, driver and support, supplying only those items deemed really necessary. Woolen overgarments and cycling shorts bore little or no resemblance to modern lycra and the bright yellow sowester acted as a sail in rainy, stormy weather. This was the world that Beryl competed in, and she flourished, but at a price. The bicycle was her form of transport as well as her racing companion, she could average 400 miles a week in training and this naturally at times gave rise to absences from her daughter Denise. To gain extra finance and to improve her flexibility she worked picking rhubarb ( no fancy team masseur or indoor gym here!)

The passing of years only made Beryl more determined to keep winning even when her body dictated otherwise. She was rarely happy with what she had achieved, and minutes after the “win” elation it was back to hard work and long miles in the saddle. She developed anemia,and asthma and as a child rheumatic fever hospitalized her for 9 months. She had always had a somewhat odd heart arrhythmia and died of heart failure during a social ride, when she was out delivering birthday invitations for her 59th birthday party. Her daughter believed that Burton's competitive spirit and drive eventually just wore her body out.

This is without the doubt the best sports biography I have ever read. Jeremy Wilson captures the spirit of this remarkable athlete and brings her to life before my reading eyes. There is much to learn for all of us here…..to do…to reach out…to attain…to never give up……to go to the front and always remain. A fantastic book, a monumental achievement that should be read and loved by all. ( )